Mauresmo's passion for tennis ignited after watching Yannick Noah win the 1983 French Open. She decided then to become a professional tennis player. "I was fascinated," she recalls. Her parents supported her enthusiasm by buying her a Snauwaert racquet, which marked the beginning of her tennis journey.

Coaching and Training

Loic Courteau, from France, has been coaching Mauresmo since 2002. Under his guidance, she has achieved remarkable success. Mauresmo plays right-handed and has shown exceptional skill on various surfaces, particularly grass.

Career Highlights

Mauresmo's career is decorated with numerous achievements. She won her first Grand Slam at the 2006 Australian Open and triumphed at Wimbledon the same year. In September 2004, she became the first French player to reach the world No.1 ranking.

Her victory at the season-ending WTA Championships in Los Angeles in 2005 was a defining moment. It boosted her confidence and paved the way for her Australian Open win in 2006.

Injuries and Challenges

Mauresmo faced several injuries throughout her career. In 2007, a groin injury forced her to withdraw from the US Open. She also dealt with an abdominal strain in 2005 and a back muscle strain in early 2004. Despite these setbacks, she made remarkable comebacks.

Awards and Honours

In 2006, Mauresmo was named Player of the Year and Ambassador for Tennis by the International Tennis Writers Association. She also became only the second French woman to win Wimbledon, joining Suzanne Lenglen.

In 2003, she was named WTA Tour's Comeback Player of the Year after returning from a four-month injury break. She also received Sanex's Prix du Public Award during the French Open that year.

Personal Interests

Outside tennis, Mauresmo enjoys downhill skiing, go-carts, horseback riding, and outdoor activities like surfing in Biarritz. She also loves playing games such as Scrabble and card games, listening to music by Dido, cooking, and has a passion for fine wine.

Influences and Idols

Mauresmo cites her coach Loic Courteau as the most influential person in her career. Her inspiration to play tennis came from watching Yannick Noah win the French Open in 1983.

Ambitions

Mauresmo aims to win more Grand Slam tournaments, especially Wimbledon. "I want to win it," she says. She feels comfortable on Wimbledon's grass surface and believes it suits her game well.

Associations and Philanthropy

Mauresmo supports various organisations including Institut Curie for cancer treatment and research, Medias Handicaps for increasing visibility of disabled people, and Little Dreams Foundation for fulfilling dreams of talented children in athletics or arts.

In 2005, along with other tennis professionals, she collected money for Asian tsunami victims during an Australian Open night session.

Mauresmo turned professional in 1995 and continues to leave an indelible mark on tennis with her dedication and achievements.